How to say "guest" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 客きゃくnounThe plain, general word for a guest or visitor, such as a customer at a shop or a guest at an inn; neutral, without the politeness of お客様.
- nounThe katakana loanword for a guest, typically an invited guest at an event, party or wedding, or a guest appearing on a TV or radio program.
- 来賓らいひんnounA formal word for guests formally invited to a ceremony, official function or event — guests of distinction rather than ordinary visitors.
- お客様おきゃくさまnounThe respectful (sonkeigo) way to speak of or address a guest or customer; the word shops, hotels and restaurants use when welcoming or serving people.
- 客人きゃくじんnounA guest, caller or visitor; it also means 'company', so it suits guests you receive and entertain at home rather than customers being served in a shop.
Use 客 for guests and visitors in general, 「お客様」 to address them politely, 「ゲスト」 for guests at events or in the media, 来賓 for formally invited guests at ceremonies, and 客人 for guests or company received at home.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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